
About
Native to the West coast and a graduate of California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, Brenda studied Applied Art & Design. She began her creative career as a designer for high profile sportswear companies. Ten years later and desiring a more fulfilling life, she carried her creative senses over to her first love of fine art and has never looked back. Inspired by the Impressionists, her color-filled work has gained national Signature recognitions with the Pastel Society of America, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, American Impressionists Society, and the Northwest Pastel Society. She paints competitively in plein air events and has been a featured instructor at the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th and 9th Plein Air Conventions.
Brenda’s work has been published in The Pastel Journal (cover story), Plein Air Magazine, The Art of Plein Air Painting, The Best of America Pastel, and has her own signature line of Jack Richeson Pastels. Her work has been displayed at the Favell Museum, The Butler Institute of American Art Museum and the Oregon Historical Museum. Brenda lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband of 30+ years.
Boylan is currently represented by The Mission Gallery in St. George, UT., and South Street Gallery in Easton, MD., and Brian Marki Fine Art in Palm Springs, CA.
I feel forutnate by what I can create and do. To me it is fullfilling when a student begins to show progress in their work.
You can view my work on my website at www.brendaboylan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tendustyfingers/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendaboylanart/
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I need to evaluate the skill level of the student to see where to start. It helps to know if the student has peviously taken art lessons or is a true beginner. It would be nice to see what they have previously produced as an example and how motivated they are. Examples could be sketches, drawings, or paintings. I prefer a 3 hour lesson per week for a richer experience.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Art and Design from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. I am a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, Laguna Plein Air Association, and the Northwest Pastel Society. I have taught painting at the Plein Air Convention & Expo 4 years.
I have been a Pastel painting instructor at Oregon Society of Artists since 2014
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$85 per 3 hr session
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching in 2004 after several requests from community artists. I created my own lesson plans and subject matter to enable a gradual ability of skill and technique.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught beginning to intermediate levels of artists. They come from a variety of backgrounds including business, accounting, ceramics, homemakers, carpenters, lawyers...many kinds of people with varied level of backgrounds.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Door County Plein Air Invitational and/or The Pastel society of America’s Annuual Members Show.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Do your research. Call art societies, look at portfolios online, and look at social media to get an idea of the personality, ability, and professionalism.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How much work is the student willing to devote to themselves
Is the student willing to try new techniques?
How flexible is the student to new ideas?